PS 635 
.29 

S497 
Copy 1 



= ^ 



A Busy Day 

In Bangville 



-BY- 



ETHELYN SEXTON 



J 




PRICE 25 CENTS 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio 225? Denver, Colo. 



944 So. Logan Street 



YOD Wni BE GLAD TO KNOW OF 

THESE NEW PLAYS 

Training Mary 

By Mary Shaw Page. A bright 1-act play with sim- 
ple stage setting. William, husband of Mary, essays 
to train Mary, especially along the lines of correctingr 
carelessness. As !■ always the case, William gets in 
deep water, but finally wades out. 2 males, 4 fe- 
males, and plays about 45 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Hired Man's Courtship 

By Alice Cripps. A short comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Captain Edwards tires of wealth and the city, and 
procures work on Hor ton's farm, only to find that the 
farmer's daughter is an old sweethesu-t. Because of 
an intrigue on the part of the captain's cousin, an es- 
trangement takes place, which ends happily when the 
captain finds the source of certain stories and re- 
futes them. Aunt Hepsey, Jim and Ezra (colored), 
add comedy to the play. Plays about 45 minutes, 
and is for 3 naales and 3 females. Price, 25c. 

Merely Anne Marie 

A comedy in 3 acts by Beulah King. 3 males, 5 fe- 
males. Time, 2V2 hours. The scenes are laid in a 
fashionable boarding house, and the characters are all 
distinct types and worth while. A successful play- 
wright, desiring to escape notoriety, seeks seclusion 
at Mrs. Teague's and becomes the hero of Anne Ma- 
rie, the dining: room maid. The dialogue is bright, 
the situations clever and the story ends happily. 35c. 

A Bit of Scandal 

By Fannie Barnett Linsky. Comedy-drama in 2 acts. 
Francina, who is to play at the recital, composes her 
own number. On the evening of the recital, Mary 
Sherman, who precedes her on the program, plays 
Francina's compositions, which she has stolen. The 
reasons for the theft all come out later and of course, 
all ends well. Nine characters. Plays about 1 hour. 
Price, 35c. 

Miss Burnett Puts One Over 

By Ethelyn Sexton. A rollicking 1-act girls' play for 
6 characters. Barbara's mother has a friend, Ann Bur- 
nett, who is to visit the girls at college, with the in- 
tention of giving a generous sum to the school. The 
girls, wishing o gain her good will, practice their 
"manners." Miss Burnett, however, appears in dis- 
guise and has much fun at their expense. All ends 
well and the school gets the money. Plays about 45 
minutes. Easy setting and costumes. Price, 25c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

9^4 S. Logan St. 



^ 



A Busy Day In 
BangviUe 



A Comedy In One Act 
Playing Thirty Minutes. 



By ETHELYN SEXTON 



PRICE 25 CENTS 
Copyright 1922, Eldridge Entertainment House 



-PUBLISHED BY- 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 
Franklin, Ohio also Denver, Colo, 



Cast of Characters 






Jake Applegate . . Proprietor of the Bangville postoffice, 

store, opera house and hotel. 

Ezra Hornsbottle ] 

Silas Peckham | "Sitters" at the store. 

Josiah Slingshot J 

Eeginald Valentine . . College student, home for vacation 

Shakespere Vangieson The new school teacher 

Frank Vandyne ... The ''robber" and ex-soldier 

Vincent Belong . . Manager of the Peachblow Musical Co. 
Josephus Greenfield Newsboy- 
Mrs. Hornsbottle Ezra's wife 

Keturah Sackett A maiden lady, Josiah's "stiddy." 

Mrs. Stimson Customer at the store 

Dorothy Ellen ] 

Margaret Jane [> The Stimson children 

Bobby J 

Mrs. Vandyne ) __ • t^ -n 

Maybelle Vandyne \ Newcomers in Bangville 

Genevieve Beaumont 1 
Janice Ormund | 

Patsy Duguid 
Valdean Eglantine 
Virginia Renaud 
Violet Secor 



y. Chorus girls in Peachblow Co. 



CID 63228 



"Xa *v a 



A Busy Day In Bangville. 

Scene^A country store and postojfice. The store 
begins at right center, passing diagonally left to reai* 
center where postoffice begins. A railing separates the 
two over ivhich Jake Applegate steps ivhen waiting on 
his 'various customers. The counter of the store contin- 
ues in the^ railing of the postoffice along the front. At 
left, down stage, is a small stove ivith chairs around it. 
Signs shelves of various goods, a cracker barrel, etc., 
mark the store; while the boxes for the postoffice may be 
placed at rear or on the railing at front. Exit doivn left. 
As curtain rises Jake Applegate is behind the counter 
setting out goods on counter or arranging them on the 
shelves. He is singing or whistling. Jake is between 
thirty and forty years of age. He may dress ^^ colored 
shirt without tie, wearing vest tvith no coat, and ktiaki 
trousers. The three visitors at the store, are men some- 
ivhat older and are of the stage ''farmer" type, but not 
exaggerated. Reginald Valentine suggests the modern 
young m,an in dress. Frank Vandyne's appearance should 
reveal something of his supposed experience off-stage. 
Mrs. Vandyne and Mayhelle have a style of dress quite 
different from that of the others. The costumes of the 
remaining characters need no comment, as they are re- 
vealed by the nature of the play. 

{Ezra Hornsbottle is the first to enter. He strolls 
to counter and speaks to Jake.) 

Ezra— Hello, Jake, how's business? 
Jake— Pretty poor, Ezra, pretty poor. Money's 
tight these days., 

3 



A Busy Day in Bangville 



Ezra — Tight as a drum. But you know, Jake, I no- 
tice that it don't make no difference to the women. They 
are always wantin' something new. A dress, or a bunnit, 
or somethin'. Just keeps a feller a-hustlin'. 

Jake — (laughing) Fd like to see anyone make you 
hustle, Ezry. 

Ezra — Well, Hetty Hornsbottle, my wife, kin do it. 
She don't give me no peace whatsoever. She's gettin' to 
be one of these highbrows. 

Jake — One of these what? That's a new one on 
me. 

Ezra — A highbrow. Well, I can't exactly explain it, 
Jake, but a highbrow is somebody that goes in for every- 
thing high — way up. 

Jake — Oh, you mean aeroplanes and the like. ^ 

Ezra — No, Jake, you don't get the idee. It's when 
anybody would rather hear Mary Garden or somebody 
like that sing in Grand Opry, than to see Mary Pickford 
in the movies. 

Jake — Oh, I see. 'Well, what's your wife up to? 
Surely she ain't takin' up Grand Opery here in Bang- 
ville! 

Ezra — No — at least not yet. But she wants to start 
a Bridge Club. 

Jake — You don't say! A Bridge Club! Why, we 
ain't got a bridge in town big enough for a club to meet 
on. 

Ezra — No, no, Jake. You're all wrong. This Bridge 
is a card game. The women go and sit all the afternoon 
and play. and the one that wins gets a piece of statuary, 
or a picture, or may^e a pair of scissors; I don't know 
what. But she gets something. 

Jake — Well, I swan! {Comes out from behind the 
counter and crosses left) I 'spect it's a good thing we 
don't all like the same thing. As for me, a g-ood lively 
game of croquet suits me pretty well. 



A Busy Day in BangviUe 



Ezra — Yes, or a game of quoits. And on a winter 
evenin' I like a good game of dominoes with double nines. 

(Sound of auto outside.) 

Jake — That's Si, I'll bet. 'Bout time for him. 

(Enter Silas.) 

Ezra — Hello, Si; how's the old buggy runnin' today? 

Si — Fine ! Fine ! Had only two blow-outs in the last 
lialf hour. But, say, boys, did you hear about Josh and 
his new car? 

Ezra — No. What about Josh? 

Si — (sits) Well, he started out in his new Shovyo- 
let, and about half way to town, the old boat stopped, 
stubborn as a mule and wouldn't budge. Josh, he cranked 
it and opened it up. But he ain't much used to the in- 
sides of a car and he was helpless. Well, bimeby, along 
came a chap and stopped to help Josh along. The feller 
finally got her to goin', and then he says to Josh : "Broth- 
er, you're engine's missin'." And what do you suppose 
Josh says? 

Jake — What'd he say? 

Si — He sez, sez he, "It was there when I started.'* 

(All laugh.) 

Ezra — (glancng toward left) Here's Josh, now. 

(Enter Josiah.) 

Josh — Hello, boys. Beat me down today, didn't ye? 

Si — Yes. Funny, too. You ain't got no women to 
reckon with. You can do ez you please. (Josh sits.) 

Ezra — You forget about Keturah, Si. 

Jake — Sure. There's Keturah. Say, Josh, why 
don't you and Keturah git hitched up? (Sits on box.) 

Josh — ^Well, we ain't really got around to it. 

Ezra — Don't seem to be in much of a hurry, do ye? 
Been keepm' company with her goin' on ten years, about. 
Takin' her to church every Sunday night. 

Jake — (Crosses left, winking at Ezra and Si.) Seen 



A Busy Day in Bangville 



the new school teacher? They say he's kinda shinin' up 
to Keturah. (Josh interested.) 

Si — That so? I didn't know as he had came yet. 

{Enter Mrs. Stimson and children.) 

Ezra — Mornin', Mrs. Stimson. Hello, children. 

Mrs. S. — (goes to counter, while children plunge 
hatids into cracker barrel and boxes) Good mornin', Mr. 
Applegate. Have you got any cretonne? 

Jake — Any what? 

Mrs. S. — Cretonne? 

Jake — Oh, that new kind of breakfast food. No, we 
ain't — 

Mrs. S. — Certainly not. It's a kind of cloth. I want 
to make curtains to hang in the breakfast room. 

Jake — I see. I knew it had something to do with 
breakfast. 

Ezra — (to Josh and Si) She's one of 'em. One of 
them highbrows. 

Margaret — Mamma, can't we have some all-day 
suckers ? 

Mrs. S. — No, it's too soon after eating. Besides, 
they don't have the right number of calories. 

Bobby — What are calories, mamma? 

Mrs. S. — Well, I haven't time to explain fully; but 
they are tiny particles in food. 

Dorothy — i2vho has been investigating cracker bar- 
rel) Oh, here's a calorie! I've found a calorie! (Holds 
up cracker.) It's crawling right around on this cracker. 

Bobby — Shucks! You don't know much. That's 
nothin' but a fly. 

Jake — Here, you kids! Keep away from there. I'll 
give you each a stick of candy and the funny paper if 
you'll behave. (To Mrs. S., as he gives candy) Strictly 
salitary, ma'am. Strictly salitary. (Children sit at right 
end of counter.) 



A Busy Day in Bangville 



Mrs. S. — (taking paper from counter) I see you 
have the new Ticporial. I do believe they're wearing 
their dresses longer in Paris. 

Si — Well, we mustn't let Paris get ahead of Bang- 
ville. Far be it from me to change the fashions ; but Fd 
hate to see Paris more stylisher than we are. Don't you 
say so, Ezra? 

Ezra — I sure do. Hetty ought to see one of them 
fashion plates. Speakin' of Hetty, that reminds me, 
(rising, going to counter) I come down here on an er- 
rand. 

Josh — Really, Ezry, you surprise me, speakin' of it 
so sudden. 

Ezra — Hetty wanted me to get a lamp chimbly. 
Number two. 

Jake — (after prolonged search) Got just one left. 

Ezra — One's all I want, Jake. 

Jake — Kinda hate to let you have it, Ezry. Some- 
body might come in and v/ant one. 

Ezra — All right; jest as you say, Jake. (Turns and 
"meets Hetty, ivho stands left center and gazes reproving- 
ly at Ezra.) 

Hetty — Land sakes, Ezry! Ain't you never comin' 
home with that lamp chimbley? 

Ezra — Jake's about out, Hetty ; and he don't want to 
let the last one go. 

Hetty — Well, this is a great town, I must say. I 
wonder what the new teacher'll think about it? Hope 
he won't try to buy a lamp chimbley. 

Si — I heard tell as how he had seven volumes of ve- 
locipes. 

Jake — What's that? Oh, you mean cyclopedias. 

Si — Maybe that was it. It was somethin' like a bi- 
cycle. 

Hetty — Josh wants to look out. Ketur^h is real in- 
terested in Mr. Vangieson's readin' club that he wants 
to start. 



A Busy Day in Bangville 



Josh — {decidedly perturbed) What's that? What's; 
that? Vangieson! Is that this new teacher? 

Hetty — Yes, that's his name: Shakespere Vangie- 
son. He's real intellectual lookin'. Wears glasses. The 
latest style, too. 

Josh — (showing pugilistic symptoms) Well, if he 
goes to hangin' around Keturah, I'll bust his old glasses! 
I won't stand it. I — (Silas restrains him just as Van- 
gieson enters.) 

Van. — {mincing along toward counter) Any mail, 
for me? 

Jake — Yes. Here's a pamphlet on {local subject).. 
It don't look very interestin'. 

Van. — I was looking for a book on "The Successful 
Reading Club." 

Jake — Don't appear to be here. {Looks through 
mail.) Here's a postal card, though. Ain't had time tO' 
read it yet ; so, I can't tell you who it's from. 

Van. — Thank you. I prefer to read my own cards. 
So it will be all right. Er — er, at what time does Miss 
Keturah Sackett come for her mail? 

Jake — W^ell, she don't come at any particular time. 
Want to wait? {Wiriks at men by stove. They are at- 
tentive; Josh belligerent.) 

Van. — Yes, thank you. I will take a temporary seat 
on this cracker box and await her coming. 

(Bobby motions to his sisters as Van. sits, and they 
push it from under him as Keturah enters.) 

Mrs. S. — {rushing forward and seizinz Bobby) Bob- 
by Stimson ! You come right home ! No, you can't have 
one thing more. Come, Margaret Jane; come, Dorothy 
Ellen. (Exeunt.) 

Van. — {rising) I'm sorry, ma'am, not to greet you 
in a more stately manner. I — er — er — wanted to see you. 

Keturah — Oh, indeed! How nice! {Pays no at- 
teniton to Josh, who makes threatening gestures toward 
Van.) Is there any mail for me? {To Jake.) 



A Busy Day in Bangville ^ 



Jake— Yes, Rears and Soebuck's latest catalog of 
spring goods. A fine chance to get your truoserro started, 
Ketury. Here's a letter, too. It's blotted so, I can't 
make out what town it's from. 

Ket.— (to/cm^ letters, turns to Van.) You were 
speaking to me, Mr. Vangieson? 

Van.— Yes, I'll walk along home with you, if I may. 
Miss Sac'kett. I would like to discuss a few things with 
you. (They turn and start toward exit. Josh rises be- 
fore them in center of stage.) 

Josh— See here, Ketury, I won't stand for this. 
Don't you go acting this way. 

Ket— (m amazement) Why, Josiah, what's got 
into you all of a sudden? You never acted this way be- 
fore. {Exit with Van.) 

^i^ {rising and putting hand on shoulder of Josh, 
who stands looking after them) Never mind, old chap. 
Just like a woman. Can't depend on 'em. Not for a 
minute. 

Hetty— Well, Ezry, I'm goin' home. I suppose I 
can expect you in time for dinner. 

Ezra— I reckon so, Hetty. I reckon so. (Exit Het.) 
Ain't women the very dickens? (Shakes head.) 

(Enter Reginald. Goes to each with appropriate 
greetings.) 

I^EG. — Good to see all you folks. 
Jake— How's the college, lad, anyway? 
Si_You're lookin' fine, Reg. Workin' hard, I s'pose. 
Reg.— Well, I'm carrying pretty heavy work. (Leans 
on counter, right.) 

Jake— What are you studying? 
Reg.— Well, I'm taking mandolin lessons and tennis, 
and one or two other courses. 

Si_You don't say! Must keep you hustlin'. 
Josh— How's the old town look to you, Reg? 



10 A Busy Day in Bangville 



Reg. — (yawning) Pretty slow! Pretty slow! I 
haven't heard any jazz or seen a classy girl since I left 
college. Say, hold on! I'll take that back. That part 
about the girl, I mean. There's a regular pippin, living 
with her momie in the old Gaylord house. For the love 
of Mike, who is she? 

Jake — Oh, that's Mrs. Vandyne and her daughter. 
They're from the city. Came out here to rest up, so 
they say. 

Reg. — Well, I'll say they've come to the right burg. 
This is the greatest little old resting place I've ever seen. 
(Looking toward door.) By Jove! Here they come, 
now. I'm in luck! (Begins smoothing hair atid arTang- 
ing tie, as Mrs. V. and Maybelle enter.) 

Mrs. V. — (goes to counter, takes out list from shop- 
ping bag.) I would like a box of apricots. (Maybelle 
talks icith Reg. at end of counter.) 

Jake — Sorry, ma'am, but we're just out. Couldn't 
I sell you some prunes? Got about a dozen on hand. 
Enough for a mess for a small family. 

Mrs. V. — No, my daughter does not eat prunes. 
Have you, then, canned peaches? 

Jake — Sure. I'll let you have the last can, ma'am; 
because I'm expectin' more every day. What else? 

Mrs. V.^ — I would like a can of Bunt's tomato soup. 

Jake — We're just out of soups. But if you've got a 
tomato I can get you a good recipe for soup. My wife, 
she makes it. 

Mrs. V. — You are very obliging, but I think I'll take 
something else. Let's see, what have you? (Looks at 
shelves.) Maybelle, do you see anything you would like? 
(Maybelle oblivious.) Maybelle! 

May. — (turning) Yes, mamma. No, mamma. I 
will leave it all to you. There is nothing I want. I never 
did like to shop. (Turns back to Reg. and they resume 
talk.) 

Jake — You all settled in the Gaylord place? 



A Busy Day in Bangville H 



Mrs. V. — ^Yes, as settled as I can ever be, with my 
poor son gone. 

Josh — (who, tvith Si and Ezra, has been attentive) 
He's dead? 

Mrs. V. — ^Yes, he went to war and never came back. 
And the strange part of it is we could never receive the 
official report of his death. If we could only know the 
truth it would not be so hard to bear. It has been so long 
since he left us we are sure he must be dead. 

Jake — That's very sad, ma'am. I hope you'll get to 
like it in our town. 

Mrs. V. — Thank you. People are very kind here. 
Come, Maybelle. (May. turns reluctantly, exchanging 
glances tvith Reg. as she goes. Half way across stage sh6 
drops her handkerchief.) 

Reg. — (spies it) By Jove! Dropped her handker- 
chief! What luck! I'll have to take it to her. (Exit.) 
Ezra— He's comin' down with it fast. 

(Enter Josephus Greenfield.) 

JOSEPHUS — (excited) Say, Jake, there's something 
coming your way. 

Jake — What is it? A hundred dollar bill. 

Jos. — Looks more like a million. The classiest bunch 
of girls this town ever saw, and a feller with 'em all 
dressed up like a picture in a magazine. (Excitement in 
stove group.) 

Jake — (coming from behind counter) Comin' here, 
did you say? 

Jos. — Sure. That's what I said. Lookin' for a ho- 
tel* Here comes the feller, now. 

{Enter Vincent Belong.) 

Vincent — Which of you gentlemen is the Dtroprietor 
of the opera house ? 

Jake — I am. I'm also the hotel keeper and the own- 
er of this enterprisin' grocery store and postoffice. 



12 A Busy Day in Bangville 

ViN. — (looking about) I see. Some dump you 
have. 

Jake— What's that? What's that? 

ViN. — My dear fellow, don't you know what a dump 
is? 

Jake — I'd like to know. 

ViN. — Why, a dump is a first class hotel. 

Jake — {relieved) Oh! You're all right, stranger. 
Some dump I've got. 

ViN. — Got a good opera house? 

Jake — The best in town. 

ViN. — How are its acoustics? 

Jake — It's which? 

ViN. — Its acoustics. {Jake shakes his head. .Steps 
to group by stove, conferring with them. They shak^ 
heads.) 

Jake — {returning to Vin.) Well, you see, it's this 
way. Last winter there was a show in the opery house, 
and we kinda think they stole our custics. Anyway, we 
ain't seen hide nor hair of 'em since. 

ViN. — {laughs) Could we see the opera house? 

Jake — Well, in the first place the opery house is full 
of hay; in the second place it ain't much of an opery 
house in the first place. 

Jos. — Where's the girls? 

Vin.-— The girls are outside. Gentlemen, I am man- 
ager of the Peachblow Musical Shows. 

Si — Where are the Peachblows? 

Ezra — Sure. Bring on the peaches. 

Vin. — With pleasure. In order to do a little adver- 
tising for our show, which, by the way, will have to be 
given, I suppose, in the Grange Hall, the Peachblow Cho- 
rus will do a little song and dance for you. 

All — Great! Fine! 



A Busy Day in Bangville 13 

Ezra — I'm glad Hetty ain't here. She wouldn't think 
it was highbrow enough. 

Si — It'll suit me all right. 

(Vin. steps outside and is heard saying "All rights 
girls.") 

(Enter Chorus and do dance and song.) 

Virginia — (back by counter) These fogs on the 
coast are very bad for my tones. 

Jake — Have you tried Spiff Brothers' Cough Drops? 
Glad to sell you a box. 

ViRG. — Don't care if I do. (takes box.) 

Geneyieve^ (behind Si's chair) Isn't he the dear~ 
est thing? I just love these country stores. 

Patsy — I like lovely curly hair, just a little gray. 
(near Josh.) 

Valdean — And don't you like those cunning little 
goatees, that some people wear? (Ezra strokes whiskersy 
much pleased.) 

Violet — I'm rather keen about the storekeeper. 

Vin. — Now, girls, you're getting these gentlemen all 
fussed up. 

ViRG. — bh, you're jealous, Vin. That's what's the 
matter with you. 

Girls — Sure, he is! (Vin. only laughs.) 

Jake — Speakin' of talent, I want to tell you that 
Ezra, here, can speak pieces with the best of 'em. Ezra^ 
s'pose you speak that piece of yours, about the dog. 

Girls — Oh, please! . 

Si— Sure, Ez, show 'em what you can do. 

{Ezra speaks 



14 A Busy Day in Bangville 

HE ALWAYS KEPT THREE DOGS 

Ephrum Eels he had to scratch durned hard to keep 
ahead, 
— But he always kept three dogs. 
He couldn't keep a dollar bill to save his life, they said, 

— But he always kept three dogs. 
He said he might have been some one if he'd bed half a 

chance, 
But getting grub from day to day give Ephrum such a 

dance, 
He never got where he could shed the patches off his 
pants, 
— But he always kept three dogs. 

They 'bated Ephrum's poll-tax 'cause he was too poor to 
pay, 
— But Ephrum kept his dogs. 
How he scraped up cash to license 'em it ain't in me to 
say, 
— But I know he kept his dogs. 
And when a suff'rin' neighbor ambuscaded 'em, Eph 

swore — 
Then in a kind of homesick way he hustled 'round for 

more; 
He struck a lucky bargain and, by thunder, he bought 
four! 
— Jest kept on a-Leepin' dogs. 

Anon. 

Girls — {applauding) Wonderful! Someone else 
speak for us! {Other stunts may be introduced if it is 
desired.) 

Janice — Vincent, we ought to take some of • these 
people along with the show. 

{Enter Bobby Stimson.) 

Bobby — Say! There's a robber in town! 

{Girls show fear.) 



A Busy Day in Bangville 15 



All — A robber! 

Si — I'm the constable. (Rises and shows his silver 
badge.) Guess I'll have to be lookin' him up. (Takes 
huge pistol from belt.) 

Janice— Oh, dear, Mr. Constable, I'm afraid you'll 
get killed! 

Si — Not me. I'm a dead sure shot. 

Jake — Where is this bad man? 

Bobby — Well, they ain't just sure he's a robber; but 
he was hangin' 'round Wentworth's house last night. He 
don't belong in this town. 

ViN. — Have you a jail in this — city? 

Si — Yes, we've got one ; but just now it's stored full 
of my fall wheat. You see, we don't need it very often, 
and I thought it might just as V\^ell be in use. 

Jos. — I read a story once, about a robber who robbed 
a store just like this, in broad daylight. (Girls afraid.) 

Si— Guess I'll be gittin' on. (Hesitates, evidently 
afraid.) 

Ezra — Be brave, Silas. And if anything happens to 
you I'll tell your widow you died fightin'. 

Si — Did — did he seem real savage? 

Bobby — No, but then you can't tell; he may be a 
bandit. 

Si — Well, I'll be goin'. Goodby. (Good-bys from 
girls. Exit Si.) 

ViN. — (to Jos.) Could you sell me a morning paper? 

Jos. — They ain't in yet. The train that brings 'em 
don't generally get in till the day after. 

ViN. — You don't hear much news of the world then^ 
here in Bangville, I take it. 

Jake — Well, we hear about all we keer to. Ezra, he 
takes a paper and he lets us fellers read it any time we 
want to. (Voices outside. "Did yoti get him?" ''Oh, 
he's caught the burglar," etc. Enter 5i. holding Frank 



16 A Busy Day in Bangville 



Vandyne by the arm. He is followed by Mrs. Hornsbot- 
tle, Mrs. Stimson and tivo children, Reginald, Josiah, Ke- 
turah, Shakespeare Vangieson. Frank is disheveled in 
appearance. His arm is bandaged.) 

Jake — Well, I swan! 

Si — I got him. (All croivd about.) 

Ezra — Where was he? 

Si — Well, I saw him going across the lot back of 
Taylor's place. I followed him; and here he is. 

Jos. — Did he pull a gun? 

Si — Not him. Guess he must have reckernized that 
I was an officer. Didn't show no fight whatsoever. 

Violet — How brave you are, Mr. Constable! 

Other Girls — Isn't he, though? 

ViN. — {approaches Frank and looks at him closely) 
Seems to me I've seen you before. Were you in the war? 

Frank — Yes. I was — hurt, (Speaks apathetically, 
showing no interest.) 

ViN. — I remember now. You were in the 85th Di- 
vision. I saw you in a Y. M. hall where I sang one night. 
You came up and spoke to me. 

Frank — I have lost my memory. I do not know. 
They call it shell-shock. I do not know my name. I do 
not know where I live. (Covers his eyes with his hand.) 

Jake — Your arm is hurt. 

Frank — I think so. It must have been a German 
shell — (hand to his eyes again). It is all dark! 

Ezra — Si, this chap ain't a burglar. We must help 
him in some way. (To Frank.) Where did you come 
from? 

Frank — (shaking head) I — don't — ^know. (He 
studies.) I guess it was the hospital. I was there once 
— then I found myself walking — walking. 

Mrs. Horns. — It's the hospital in the city. I heard 
they had some soldiers there. 



A Busy Day in Bangville 17 

Mrs. S. — I'll take him home with me until we find 
out something more, (moves toward him.) 

Si — Guess I made a mistake, takin' him for a dan- 
gerous character. 

Jake — Poor feller! 

(Enter Mrs. Vandyne and Maybelle. They are at 
first unobserved and do not see Frank, because of th& 
crowd about him. Then, in a moment, those near Frank 
on left, step back and the two see him plainly.) 

Mrs. V. — Indeed! What is all this excitement? Has 
the postofRce been robbed ? (Frank, at sound of her voice, 
looks up, interested.) 

Maybelle — Why, the whole town is here. (Those on 
left step to rear.) 

Frank — (staring at Mrs. V. and May.) Mother! 
Maybelle ! It has all come back. I remember ! I remem- 
ber! (Falls fainting.) 

Mrs. V. — (running fonvard) Frank, my son! You 
have come back! 

(Mrs. v., Maybelle, Silas, Mrs. Horns., Reginald, are 
on right with Frank, the others grouped on left discuss- 
ing the situation.) 

Josh — To think of his being her son! 
Ezra — Never can tell what's goin' to happen — even 
here in Bangville. 

(Frank is gradually revived and, with the help of 
others, stands.) 

Josh — I'm sorry my car ain't workin', ma'am. I'd 
be glad to take you home. 

Si — Good thing for you, Mrs. Vandyne, that it ain't. 
You might never git there. I'll be glad to crank up the 
old flivver and run you to where you want to go. 

Mrs. V. — You're all very kind, I'm sure. 

Mrs. S. — I'll be over after a bit and see if there's 
anything I can do. 



18 A Busy Day in Bangville 

Maybelle — That is lovely of you. 

Mrs. V. — (ivith Frank, going toward door) You ^ re- 
all so kind. {Ex't with Frank, Maybelle and Reg.) 

Jake — A busy day in Bangville. 

Josh — And a happy day for a number of folks. iHe 
looks adoringly at Keturah.) 

Keturah — (much pleased) Yes, Josiah. (Shakes- 
peare Vangieson comes from rear of stage.) 

Van. — Allow me to present my felicitations, Miss 
Sackett ! 

Ezra — Josh, have you really gone and said the fatal 
words ? 

Josh — I sure have, Ezra. 

Girls — Congratulations ! 

ViN. — Suppose, in honor of this happy occasion, we 
all say it with music. 

Jake — And let the Peachblows lead the singin'. 

(All sing the chorus of some recent song hit, as cur^ 
tain falls.) 



S\ 



Four Clever New Entertainments 



SURE POP AND THE SAFETY 
FIRST SCOUTS 

is going to be a splendid help in all 
''Safety First*' Campaigns and can be 
given by children in the school-room 
or elsewhere. Price 25 cents. 

FOWL DEEDS 

A roaring black-face comedy, suitable 
for minstrels or short play on any 
program. Price 35 cents. 

COMMUNITY PLAYS FOB 
VARIOUS DAYS 

is a great help in developing the 
many phases of community life and 
spirit. A mighty helpful book for all 
civic work. Price 50 cents. 

SPECIAL PLAYS FOR 
SPECIAL DAYS 

This is another splendid book for 
every teacher. These short plays are 
enjoyable, either for school-room use 
or for exhibition purposes. A play 
for every special day. Price 50 cents. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKUN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



MONOLOGS 

By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 

-grmS series of character monologs has provided 
*^ something funny, yet clean and wholesome, for 
the boy or man who wants a specialty along the 
lines of the professional monolog. They are espec- 
ially adapted for the olio of a minstrel show or as 
an individual number on a vaudeville program. 



Have You Ever Noticed That? A tramp 
monolog. 

Izzy's Troubles- For a Hebrew character. 

Waiting for the Alabama Lou. A darkey 
talking act the speaker being a stranded 
minstrel. 

Be Keerfful Si- A Rube monolog. 

As Oi Wuz Sayin'. For an Irish character. 

Under the Pretzel Brough- Dutch monolog. 

PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 

TWO PATRIOTIC MONOLOGS 



li 



The Stars and Stripes in Flanders. 

A dramatic reading with a climax that 
will cause a thrill. Price, 25 cents. 

When Monty Came Home from the 
Marne- 

Suitable for any reader and a number that 
will be welcome on any program. Price 
25 cents. 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



1 



/^ 



" Some Bright New 

Christmas Materia 



=s\ 



First Aid to Santa 



By Ethel Sexton. A mightjr bright playlet for 3 boys, 
2 girls and 10 acting dolls (girls and boys). Plays 30 
or 40 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Christmas Chain 

By Lillian Pearson. , A pretty /sketch for 14 or more 
children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete 
Christmas Chain to two selfish sisters with happy re- 
sults. , Plays about 20 minutes. Price 25c. 

Ho^v the Christmas Song Was Found 

Sy Lillian Pearson, A simple, but beauliful sketch 
for any number of children, 12 re<iuired. Shows the 
real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad 
Christmas song was found. Time, 20 to 30 minutes. 
For day schools or church entertainments. Price 25c. 

Mr. Richey Changes His 

By Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, v/ealthy 
employer and hov/ at Christmas time the memory of 
his mother cJhanged his attitude toward his employes 
from that of a "driver" to a considerate comrade. An 
unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, 
and others, either high school or adults. Plays about 
20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Little Stranger • 

A moving picture Christmas play, Ly Edna Randolph 
Worrell. This is really a pantomime, the different 
scenes being eitksr announced or r.hov/;-i n screen by 
stereopticon. 4 Ecenes "The Night Before Christ- 
mas Home cf X)r?han Children," "Tho Litt c Stran- 
ger at the Door," "The iittle Stranger Entertains," 
"Christmas Morning." A pretty entertainment for 
any number of children. Plays about 30 minutes. 25c. 

Ten Good Christmas Pantomimes 

By Ethel Eldridge. A collection that will add novelty 
and effectiveness to your prograni. Specific direc- 
tions for pantomiming some well-known hymns, songs 
and recitations — "Silent Night," ."Little Town of 
Bethlehem," "When Good Old Kris Comes 'Round," 
"Favorite Carols," etc. Contains the music also. 40c^ 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 



3^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

I 



^ 




017 400 207 1 i 



Money-Making Entertainment Novelties 
for Church, School or Lodge 

Miss Nibbs' Novelty Shop 

By Alta Becker. This is a novel and humorous en- 
tertainment, introducing 'Liza Ann, Miss Nibbs, two 
traveling salesmen, shoppers, mechanical dolls and 
mechancal maid of all work. A good little stunt where 
a short, clean, humorous number is desired. Plays 
about 30 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Brlghtville Indoor Chautauqua 

By Bessie Baker and Nellie Hanna. Here is a brand 
new idea for an evening's entertainment. It is in 5 
parts, each part representing a day at Chautauqua. 
Gives wide scope for introduction of large cast and 
many specialties. Complete programs suggested as 
follows: Part 1, Chautauqua Concert Company; Part 
2, Living Pictures; Part 3, Musical Entertainers; 
Part 4, Farmers' Night; Part 5, Coonville Jubilee 
Singers. Price, 35c. 

Sorepaw & Fells Indoor Circus 

By Margaret S. Bridge and Margaret H. Hahn. The 
Grand Annex and Musee, Freaks, Curiosities and 
Monstrosities, never were in it with the marvelous, 
amazing, mystifying array outlined in its pages. Ar- 
tistic, ambling, agile, 'andsome acrobats; cajoling, 
cadaverous, costly, curious, cunning clowns; Hee- 
Shee, the Monkey Girl of Yucatan; all of these and 
many others will be seen in the Big Peerade before 
the show starts, ladies and gentlemen. Keep to the 
• :-ight — don't crowd. Price, 25c. 

As Ye Sew 

A "talking doll" missionary play by Dorothy Crich- 
ton. A lot of fun and some wholesome lessons are 
contained in the conversation of the dolls who dis- 
cuss the motives of their donors. Splendid for Young 
People's or Missionary Societies. 10 girls, 1 boy, or 
all girls. Time, 20 minutes. Price, 15c. 

Finding the Key 

A dialog and drill for 10 or 12 girls and boys. Suit- 
able for any religious program, but especially for 
Enstcr. Time. 20 minutes. Deals with problems of 
youth, recreations, etc.; also with those of Commun- 
ity Life and the present spirit of Unrest. Interspersed 
with suggested sougs. Drill very effective. 25c. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKI IN. OHIO nUo 



DENVER, COLO. 
944 J. Logan St. 



